Welsh Sparkling? Ancre Hill Estate Blanc de Noirs 2010

One might have heard about the great quality of English sparkling wine or even tried some. The English are not shy about promoting their own product often bringing in a comparison to Champagne. There is the terroir (just think of the white chalk cliffs of Dover) and similar sunshine hours. Only rainfall is higher than on the other side of the channel.
Wales and its 12 wineries cannot compete in quantity with Englands 123. The majority of those are to be found in the south-east of Wales, just like Ancre Hill Estate in Monmouth. The first vines were planted in 2006. Biodynamic principles were introduced in 2011 (too late for this sparkling here). Certified organic since 2012 and Demeter certified since 2013 making this one of only two biodynamic wineries in the UK.

The 2010 Blanc de Noirs is a varietal Pinot Noir, vinified in stainless steel tanks, then 24 months on the lees in the bottle with another 6 months bottle ageing after degorging to let the wine settle before expedition.

The capsule is quite simple, a neutral one with a paper logo sticker. A little disappointment for Champagne capsule collectors.

To make up for the capsule the nose convinces with apple, buttery brioche, vanilla and a touch of aniseed.